New group gives ‘voice’ to families bereaved by suicide

A new group representing families and individuals who have been bereaved by suicide launched on Friday 10 September - World Suicide Prevention Day. Families Voices Forum has been set up to ensure that the voices of those affected by suicide are heard.

Members of the Families Voices Forum feel there is a need for the interests and experiences of those family members who have lost a loved one through suicide to be heard. The group intends to champion rights and to challenge and contribute to change within suicide and self-harm policy through their involvement in the delivery of the ‘Protect Life Strategy: A Shared Vision: the Northern Ireland Suicide Prevention Strategy and Action Plan 2006-2011.

The Families Voices Forum’s launch event involved hosting the “Walk out of the darkness and into the dawn” event on World Suicide Prevention Day.

Welcoming the establishment of the group, Dr Eddie Rooney, Chief Executive of the Public Health Agency said: “Men and women of every age group and every walk of life in Northern Ireland die by suicide and these deaths impact upon all of the community. With a collective effort, the tragic deaths of many people can be reduced and can prevent the sorrow and pain felt by those bereaved. Suicide prevention is the business of each and every one of us.”

Mary Creaney, spokesperson for Families Voices Forum added: “We want to establish what is working and what needs to be improved to benefit those bereaved by suicide. We also want to increase awareness of the impact of suicide across all communities in Northern Ireland and for anyone feeling suicidal to know that there is help out there for them.”